DOWNE TWP. — An 84-year-old Fortescue man is listed in critical condition after falling asleep with a cigarette and accidentally setting himself on fire early Saturday morning.

The man reportedly suffered second and third-degree burns to about 50 percent of his body, officials said.

At about 6 a.m., the Downe Township Fire/Rescue Co. responded to the mans home located on Louisiana Avenue, in Fortescue.

The man, who lives by himself, was reportedly sitting on his chair at home smoking a cigarette when he fell asleep. Moments later, the man awoke with his pajama pants ignited, according to Cpt. Cliff Higbee, of the Downe Township Fire/Rescue Co.

The man reportedly rushed to his telephone to call for help, however, because the man uses a walker it took some time — allowing the flames to increase and consume his clothing.

Fortunately, the man was able to call his friend, who then called Higbee.

The Downe Township Fire/Rescue Co., the Millville Rescue Squad and Underwood EMS Life Support unit all worked to treat the man. The Cedarville Fire Department helped to acquire a landing zone for helicopter evacuation. The man was then airlifted to Burn Care at Crozer-Chester Medical Center, in Pennsylvania.

Higbee said the man remains in critical condition with burns primarily to his arms, neck and abdomen area.